School Business Manager – Secondary School – Guildford, Surrey

Marchant Recruitment; Guildford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking a School Business Manager for a prominent secondary school in Guildford, Surrey. You will oversee financial management, budgeting, procurement decisions and the day-to-day administration to support safe, efficient operations.

Working with the Headteacher and senior leaders, you will lead on planning, monitor expenditure, manage facilities and supervise administrative staff to ensure value for money and compliance with policies.

Qualifications

• Experience in school budgeting and financial processes.
• Experience with procurement and contract management.
• Experience in safeguarding and working with senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgets and financial records; monitor expenditures.
• Coordinate procurement decisions and supplier relationships.
• Supervise administrative and operational staff; ensure policies are followed.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial administration

Procurement

Premises management

Staff supervision

Communication

Job description

School Business Manager – Secondary School – Guildford, Surrey

Location: Guildford, Surrey Start Date: As soon as possible Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

School Information

A well-established secondary school in Guildford is seeking an experienced and organised School Business Manager to oversee its business operations and support the effective day-to-day running of the school. The school is committed to providing a positive learning environment for pupils and a supportive workplace for staff. It is looking for a commercially minded professional who can manage resources effectively, maintain robust financial procedures and contribute to the school's long-term development.

The Role

The successful candidate will take responsibility for the school's financial management, administration, premises oversight and operational planning. Working closely with the Headteacher and senior leadership team, the School Business Manager will help ensure that resources are allocated effectively and that the school's administrative and financial systems operate efficiently.

The position will involve preparing and monitoring budgets, overseeing expenditure, supporting procurement decisions and ensuring that financial records are accurate and up to date. The successful candidate will also contribute to strategic planning, identify opportunities to improve value for money and help the leadership team make informed decisions about staffing, facilities and resources.

Alongside financial responsibilities, the role will involve supervising administrative and operational staff, coordinating contractors and suppliers, and ensuring that relevant policies and procedures are followed. The School Business Manager will play an important part in maintaining a safe, organised and efficient school environment.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in school business management, financial administration or a comparable operational management role. Strong budgeting, organisational and communication skills are essential, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively with senior leaders.

Experience of school finance systems, procurement, premises management and budget monitoring would be advantageous. The successful applicant must demonstrate professionalism, discretion and a commitment to safeguarding.

What the School Offers

The school offers the opportunity to take on a key operational position within an established secondary setting. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leaders, contribute to important strategic decisions and help ensure that the school's resources support positive outcomes for pupils and staff.